HIV antibody assays comprising p24-gp41 chimeric antigens

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a recombinant HIV p24 protein or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein and a recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecule capable of expressing either protein. Cells transformed with the rDNA, methods for producing the fusion protein and diagnostic methods and systems using the fusion protein are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/344,237, filed Apr. 26,1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,259, that was a continuation-in-part ofapplications Ser. Nos. 07/191,229, filed May 6, 1988, 07/206,499, filedJun. 13, 1988, and 07/258,016, filed Oct. 14, 1988, all of which areabandoned, and the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a segment of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) that encodes either a recombinant HIV p24 protein and/or a HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein and a recombinant DNA (rDNA) that contains theDNA segment. Cells transformed with a rDNA of the present invention andmethods for producing HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein are also contemplated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human immunodeficiency virus, (HIV), is believed to be the causativeagent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The nucleic acidsequence of the HIV proviral genome has been deduced and the location ofvarious protein coding regions within the viral genome has beendetermined.

Of particular interest to the present invention is that portion of theHIV genome known in the art as the gag region. The gag region isbelieved to encode a precursor protein that is cleaved and processedinto three mature proteins, p17, p24 and p15. The HIV p24 protein has anapparent relative molecular weight of about 24,000 daltons and is knownin the art as the HIV core antigen because it forms the viral capsid.

The p24 antigen of HIV is of particular interest because studies haveindicated that the first evidence of anti-HIV antibody formation (sero-conversion) in infected individuals is the appearance of antibodiesinduced by the p24 antigen, i.e., anti-p24 antibodies. In addition,recent studies have reported that p24 protein can be detected in bloodsamples even before the detection of anti p24 antibodies. Detecting thepresence of either the p24 protein or anti-p24 antibodies thereforeappear to be the best approach to detecting HIV infection at theearliest point in time.

Furthermore, the p24 antigen reappears in the blood of infectedindividuals concomitant with the decline of anti-p24 antibody inpatients showing the deterioration in their clinical condition thataccompanies transition into full-blown AIDS. Thus, the p24 antigen canserve as an effective prognostic marker in patients undergoing therapy.

The development of immunoassays for detecting anti-p24 antibodies hasbeen limited by difficulties in producing sufficient quantities of HIVp24 protein that is essentially free of immunoreactive contaminants. Thepresence of contaminants that immunoreact with antibodies present inpatient samples results in lower assay specificity and sensitivity andan increase in false positive results.

Presently, when assaying for anti-p24 antibodies in a blood sample, theart typically overcomes the presence of contaminants in HIV p24 proteinpreparations by preabsorbing the sample with a preparation containingthe contaminants. For instance, Dowbenko et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA82:7748-7752 (1985) reported using recombinant DNA methods to produce inE. coli a HIV p24 fusion protein. However, an immunoaffinity-purifiedpreparation of the p24 fusion protein contained a level of E. coliprotein contaminants sufficient to require preabsorbing the bloodsamples being tested with E. coli protein extracts.

Similarly, Steimer et al., Virol., 150: 283-290 (1986) reportedproducing a truncated HIV p24 in E. coli. The truncated p24 was isolatedfrom contaminating E. coli proteins using ammonium sulfate precipitationand fractionation by gel filtration to produce a p24 antigen preparationdescribed as being greater than 99% pure. However, use of that p24antigen preparation in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) todetect anti-p24 antibodies still required preadsorbing the blood sampleswith E. coli proteins. European patent application No. 85309454.8,published Jul. 9, 1986 (publication No. 0187041) also describes theexpression of HIV p24 fusion protein in E. coli.

Two difficulties in using genetically engineered E. coli to produce aHIV p24 antigen preparation that is essentially free of contaminating E.coli proteins are insolubility and low yield of the recombinantlyproduced protein. For example, Dowbenko et al., supra, Ghrayeb et al.,DNA, 5:93-99 (1986) and Shoeman et al., Anal. Biochem., 161:370-379(1987) have reported that HIV p24 fusion proteins produced in E. coliaccumulated as insoluble aggregates ("inclusion bodies") within theproducing bacteria. The aggregates, which can be seen as granules inelectron micrographs of the bacteria, were recovered in the pelletfraction after cell lysis (breakage) and centrifugation. Solubilizationof the protein from the pellet then required treatment with strongdenaturing agents.

The yield of a recombinant protein from transformed bacteria is directlyrelated to its translation rate. A recombinant protein cannot besynthesized faster than the slowest step in the entire translationprocess. Translation initiation, elongation and termination have allbeen found to be steps whose efficiency is not predictable from DNAsequence alone.

For example, Steimer et al., supra, reported examining the effect ontranslation efficiency of varying the three nucleotides 5' of theinitiator AUG in a rDNA coding for an amino-terminal truncated HIV p24protein. This area of the rDNA was examined because it is involved indefining the translation initiation (ribosome binding) site. Steimer etal. found that the efficiency of translation initiation depended uponthe integration of several factors and was not predictable from the DNAsequence of the ribosome binding site region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a DNA segment comprising a firstnucleotide base sequence operatively linked at its 3' terminus to the 5'terminus of a second nucleotide base sequence. The first sequence has anucleotide base sequence represented by the formula:

    AGGAGGGTTTTTCAT.

The second sequence has a nucleotide base sequence that codes for arecombinant HIV p24 protein.

The present invention also contemplates a recombinant DNA comprising avector operatively linked to a DNA segment. The DNA segment comprises afirst nucleotide base sequence operatively linked at its 3' terminus tothe 5' terminus of a second nucleotide base sequence. The first sequencehas a nucleotide base sequence represented by the formula:

    AGGAGGGTTTTTCAT.

The second sequence has a nucleotide base sequence that codes for arecombinant HIV p24 protein.

The present invention contemplates a DNA segment encoding an amino acidresidue sequence represented by FIG. 1B from residue 1 to about residue257, by FIG. 1C from residue 1 to residue 258 or by FIG. 1E from residue1 to residue 283. Preferably the DNA segment has a particular nucleotidebase sequence represented by FIG. 1B, 1C or 1E.

Also contemplated is a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a vector,preferably an expression vector, operatively linked to a DNA segment ofthe present invention. A preferred recombinant DNA molecule ispGEXp24gp41, pGEXp24gp41-2 or pGEXp24gp41-1,2.

A HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein having an amino acid residue sequencerepresented by FIG. 1B from residue 1 or 2 to about residue 257, by FIG.1C from residue 1 or 2 to about residue 258 or by FIG. 1E from residue 1or 2 to about residue 283 is also contemplated.

Further contemplated is a culture of cells transformed with arecombinant DNA molecule of this invention and methods of producing therecombinant HIV p24 or HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteins of this inventionusing the culture.

Also contemplated is a composition comprising recombinant HIV p24protein. The composition is further characterized as being essentiallyfree of (a) procaryotic antigens, and (b) other HIV-related proteins.

Still further contemplated is a diagnostic system in kit formcomprising, in an amount sufficient to perform at least one assay, arecombinant HIV p24 protein composition of this invention, as aseparately packaged reagent.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a diagnosticsystem, in kit form, comprising a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein of thisinvention. Preferably, the diagnostic system contains the HIV p24-gp41fusion protein affixed to a solid matrix.

Further contemplated is a method of assaying a body fluid sample for thepresence of antibodies against at least one of the HIV antigens p24 andgp41. The method comprises forming an immunoreaction admixture byadmixing the body fluid sample with a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein ofthis invention. The immunoreaction admixture is maintained for a timeperiod sufficient for any of the antibodies present to immunoreact withthe fusion protein to form an immunoreaction product, which product,when detected, is indicative of the presence of anti-HIV p24 and/oranti-HIV gp41 antibodies. Preferably, the fusion protein is affixed to asolid matrix when practicing the method.

In another embodiment, this invention contemplates an inoculumcomprising a therapeutically effective amount of recombinant HIV p24protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The inoculum isessentially free of (a) procaryotic antigens, and (b) other HIV-relatedproteins.

A method for treating HIV infection, which method comprisesadministering an inoculum of the present invention, is alsocontemplated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, containing panels 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E, illustrates thenucleotide base sequences of preferred DNA segments of the presentinvention. The base sequences are shown conventionally from left toright and in the direction of 5' terminus to 3' terminus using thesingle letter nucleotide base code (A=adenine, T=thymine, C=cytosine andG=guanine). In all panels of FIG. 1 nucleotide bases 1-4 represent theShine-Dalgarno sequence [Shine et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,71:1342 (1974)] bases 1-15 define a ribosome binding site; and bases16-690 define a majority of the recombinant HIV p24 protein structuralgene.

The reading frame of the structural genes illustrated in all panels ofFIG. 1 is indicated by placement of the deduced amino acid residuesequence of the protein for which it codes above the nucleotide sequencesuch that the triple letter code for each amino acid residue (Table ofCorrespondence) is located directly above the three bases (codon) codingfor each residue. The residue sequence is shown conventionally from leftto right and in the direction of amino terminus to carboxy terminus. Theposition in the respective amino acid residue and nucleotide basesequences of the right-hand most residue and base is indicated by thenumbers in the right margin of the figure. The DNA encoded amino acidresidue sequence of preferred recombinant HIV-related proteins are shownabove the structural gene that encodes each protein.

The nucleotide base sequences represented by bases 15-718, 15-793,15-796, 15-1021 and 15-821, in panels 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1Erespectively, illustrate preferred DNA segments, each having a 5' codingstrand terminus complementary to a nucleotide base sequence produced bycleavage with the restriction endonuclease Nde I, i.e., a Nde I cohesiveterminus, and a 3' coding strand terminus complementary to a nucleotidebase sequence produced by cleavage with the restriction endonucleaseBamH I, i.e., a BamH I cohesive terminus.

The recombinant HIV p24 protein illustrated in panel 1A contains anamino acid residue sequence corresponding to residues 1-232.

The HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein (p24-A5) illustrated in panel 1Bcontains an amino-terminal HIV p24 polypeptide portion corresponding toresidues 1-225, an intermediate HIV gp41 polypeptide portioncorresponding to residues 226-248, a Gly-Pro dipeptide linker portioncorresponding to residues 249-250, and a carboxy-terminal HIV p24polypeptide portion corresponding to residues 251-257.

The HIV p24-gp41-2 fusion protein (p24-A2) illustrated in panel 1Ccontains an amino-terminal HIV p24 polypeptide portion corresponding toresidues 1-225, an intermediate HIV gp41 polypeptide portioncorresponding to residues 226-249, a Gly-Pro dipeptide linker portioncorresponding to residues 250-251, and a carboxy-terminal HIV p24polypeptide portion corresponding to residues 252-258.

The HIV p24-gp41-1,2,1,1 fusion protein (p24-A5-A2-A5-A5) illustrated inpanel 1D contains an amino-terminal HIV p24 polypeptide portioncorresponding to residues 1-225, four intermediate HIV gp41 polypeptideportions corresponding to residues 226-248, 251-274, 277-299, and302-324, four Gly-Pro dipeptide linker portions corresponding toresidues 249-250, 275-276, 300-301 and 325-326, and a carboxy-terminalHIV p24 polypeptide portion corresponding to residues 327-333.

The HIV p24-gp41-1,2 fusion protein (p24-A5-A2) illustrated in panel 1Econtains an amino-terminal HIV p24 polypeptide portion corresponding toresidues 1-225, two intermediate HIV gp41 polypeptide portionscorresponding to residues 226-248 and 251-274, two Gly-Pro dipeptidelinker portions corresponding to residues 249-250 and 275-276, and acarboxy-terminal HIV p24 polypeptide portion corresponding to residues277-283.

FIG. 2, panel A, illustrates construction of the pGEXp24 recombinant DNAfor expressing recombinant HIV p24 protein in E. coli. The recombinantDNAs manipulated and produced by the construction process are indicatedin the figure by the circles. The construction proceeds by a series ofsteps as indicated by the arrows connecting the circles in the figureand as described in detail in Example 1. Landmark and utilizedrestriction enzyme recognition sites are indicated on the circles bylabeled lines intersecting the circles. The relative location ofindividual genes and their direction of transcription are indicated bythe labeled arrows inside the circles.

Panel B of FIG. 2 illustrates construction of the recombinant DNAplasmid pGEXp24gp41 by ligating an oligonucleotide coding for the singleunderlined amino acid residue sequence (peptide A5) into the PpuM Irestriction site located within the HIV p24 structural gene of pGEXp24.The ligation resulted in the formation of a structural gene, shown inFIG. 1B, operatively linked to the pGEX7 vector and coding for the HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein also shown in FIG. 1B (residues 1-257).

FIG. 3 illustrates SDS-PAGE of bacterial cell lysates containing thepGEXp24 plasmid. Cells were held at 42 degrees C. (42C) for 0 minutes(lane 1), 0.5 hours (lane 2), 1 hour (lane 3) and 2 hours (lane 4).

FIG. 4 illustrates SDS gel electrophoresis of purified recombinant p24polypeptide from HIV-1 gag. Lane A contains the low molecular weightstandards, shown in kilodaltons in the left margin, (catalog No.161,030; Biorad, Richmond, Calif.). Lanes B and C contain 12 and 24micrograms, respectively, of essentially pure recombinant HIV p24protein of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a Western blot, prepared as described in Example 3E,using a SDS-PAGE gel of E. coli transformed with pGEXp24 plasmid. Afterinduction at 42C, cell lysates were prepared at 0 minutes (lane 1), 30minutes (lane 2), 1 hour (lane 3) and 2 hours (lane 4).

FIG. 6 illustrates the carboxy termini of the recombinant HIV p24protein and HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteins of the present invention. Theupper portion of the Figure depicts the amino acid residue sequence fromthe amino- to carboxy-terminus and in the direction from left to right,of the polypeptides A5 and A2. The lower portion depicts the amino acidresidue sequence of the carboxy termini of five HIV antigens of thepresent invention: recombinant HIV p24 protein (p24), and the HIVfusions proteins p24gp41, p24gp41-2, p24gp41-1,2 and p24gp41-1,2,1,1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Definitions

Amino Acid: All amino acid residues identified herein are in the naturalL-configuration. In keeping with standard polypeptide nomenclature, J.Biol. Chem., 243:3557-59, (1969), abbreviations for amino acid residuesare as shown in the following Table of Correspondence:

    ______________________________________                                        TABLE OF CORRESPONDENCE                                                       SYMBOL                                                                        1-Letter  3-Letter        AMINO ACID                                          ______________________________________                                        Y         Tyr             L-tyrosine                                          G         Gly             glycine                                             F         Phe             L-phenylalanine                                     M         Met             L-methionine                                        A         Ala             L-alanine                                           S         Ser             L-serine                                            I         Ile             L-isoleucine                                        L         Leu             L-leucine                                           T         Thr             L-threonine                                         V         Val             L-valine                                            P         Pro             L-proline                                           K         Lys             L-lysine                                            H         His             L-histidine                                         Q         Gln             L-glutamine                                         E         Glu             L-glutamic acid                                     W         Trp             L-tryptophan                                        R         Arg             L-arginine                                          D         Asp             L-aspartic acid                                     N         Asn             L-asparagine                                        C         cys             L-cysteine                                          ______________________________________                                    

It should be noted that all amino acid residue sequences, typicallyreferred to herein as "residue sequences", are represented herein byformulae whose left to right orientation is in the conventionaldirection of amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus.

Nucleotide: a monomeric unit of DNA or RNA consisting of a sugar moiety(pentose), a phosphate, and a nitrogenous heterocyclic base. The base islinked to the sugar moiety via the glycosidic carbon (1' carbon of thepentose) and that combination of base and sugar is a nucleoside. Whenthe nucleoside contains a phosphate group bonded to the 3' or 5'position of the pentose it is referred to as a nucleotide. A sequence ofoperatively linked nucleotides is typically referred to herein as a"base sequence" and is represented herein by a formula whose left toright orientation is in the conventional direction of 5'-terminus to3'-terminus.

Base Pair (bp): A partnership of adenine (A) with thymine (T), or ofcytosine (C) with guanine (G) in a double stranded DNA molecule.

B. DNA Segments

In living organisms, the amino acid residue sequence of a protein orpolypeptide is directly related via the genetic code to thedeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence of the structural gene that codesfor the protein. Thus, a structural gene can be defined in terms of theamino acid residue sequence, i.e., protein or polypeptide, for which itcodes.

An important and well known feature of the genetic code is itsredundancy. That is, for most of the amino acids used to make proteins,more than one coding nucleotide triplet (codon) can code for ordesignate a particular amino acid residue. Therefore, a number ofdifferent nucleotide sequences may code for a particular amino acidresidue sequence. Such nucleotide sequences are considered functionallyequivalent since they can result in the production of the same aminoacid residue sequence in all organisms. Occasionally, a methylatedvariant of a purine or pyrimidine may be incorporated into a givennucleotide sequence. However, such methylations do not affect the codingrelationship in any way.

In one embodiment, a DNA segment of the present invention comprises afirst nucleotide base sequence that defines a ribosome binding site andhas a sequence represented by the formula:

    AGGAGGGTTTTTCAT.

The first sequence is operatively linked at its 3' terminus to the 5'terminus of a second nucleotide base sequence that defines a structuralgene capable of expressing a recombinant HIV p24 protein. A preferredDNA segment has a base sequence represented by the base sequence shownin FIG. 1A from base position 1 to base position 711 or 718. PreferredDNA segments further include the base sequence TAATAA (a base sequencerepresenting two adjacent stop signals) operatively linked to the3'-terminus of the structural gene. In preferred embodiments, the lengthof the first and second nucleotide base sequences, when linked, is nomore than about 711 bases, and more preferably no more than about 10,000bases. In addition, a DNA segment of this invention does not code forany other protein, or antigenically identifiable portion thereof, codedfor by the gag region of the HIV genome.

As used herein, the phrase "recombinant HIV p24 protein" refers to aprotein of about 231 amino acid residues in length that has an aminoacid residue sequence homologous to a naturally occurring mature HIV p24protein. The nucleotide base residues 16-18 encode terminal methionineresidue, shown in all panels of FIG. 1, to facilitate initiation ofprotein translation at an ATG codon, as is well known. However, in thebulk of the expressed protein, the methionine is cleaved off duringprotein translation and processing to produce a protein that begins atamino acid residue 2 (Proline). A recombinant HIV p24 protein is furthercharacterized as being water soluble and as not expressing any HIV p17or p15 antigenic determinants. The amino acid residue sequence of apreferred recombinant HIV p24 protein is shown in FIG. 1A from residue 2to residue 232.

In another embodiment, a DNA segment of this invention contains anucleotide base sequence that defines a structural gene capable ofexpressing a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein. The phrase "HIV p24-gp41fusion protein" refers to a protein having an amino-terminal HIV p24polypeptide portion operatively linked by a peptide bond at itscarboxy-terminus to a HIV gp41 polypeptide portion. The HIV p24polypeptide portion has an amino acid residue sequence corresponding toa sequence as shown in FIG. 1B from about residue 2 to about residue225. HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein in its expressed form has an amino acidresidue sequence that begins at residue 2 (Proline), having the aminoterminal methionine residue cleaved off during protein translation andprocessing as above for expressed HIV p24 protein. The HIV gp41polypeptide portion has an amino acid residue sequence corresponding toa polypeptide capable of immunoreacting with anti-HIV gp41 antibodies,i.e., a polypeptide displaying HIV gp41 antigenicity (an HIVgp41-antigenic polypeptide). Polypeptides displaying HIV gp41antigenicity are well known in the art. See, for example, the U.S. Pat.No. 4,629,783 to Cosand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,896 to Wang et al., andKennedy et al., Science, 231:1556-1559 (1986).

A preferred HIV gp41 polypeptide portion of a HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein has an amino acid residue sequence represented by the sequenceshown in FIG. 1B from residue 226 to residue 248 or by the sequenceshown in FIG. 1C from residue 226 to residue 249.

In one embodiment, a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein contains more than oneHIV gp41 polypeptide portion, as for example the combination of twodifferent HIV gp41 polypeptide portions represented by the sequenceshown in FIG. 1D from residue 226 to residue 324, or in FIG. 1E fromresidue 226 to residue 274.

In preferred embodiments, the HIV gp41 polypeptide portion of a HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein of this invention contains at least 10 aminoacid residues, but no more than about 35 amino acid residues, andpreferably has a length of about 15 to about 25 residues.

In preferred embodiments, that portion of a HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteinencoding DNA segment of this invention that codes for the HIV p24polypeptide portion has a nucleotide base sequence corresponding to asequence that codes for an amino acid residue sequence as shown in FIG.1B from about residue 1 to about residue 225, and more preferably has anucleotide base sequence corresponding to a base sequence as shown inFIG. 1B from base 16 to base 690.

In preferred embodiments, that portion of a HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteinencoding DNA segment of this invention that codes for the HIV gp41polypeptide portion has a nucleotide base sequence corresponding to asequence that codes for an amino acid residue sequence as shown in FIG.1B from residue 226 to residue 248, in FIG. 1C from residue 226 toresidue 249, in FIG. 1D from residue 226 to residue 324, or in FIG. 1Efrom residue 226 to residue 274. More preferably that portion of the DNAsegment coding for the HIV gp41 polypeptide portion has a nucleotidebase segment corresponding in base sequence to the sequence shown inFIG. 1B from base 691 to base 759, in FIG. 1C from base 691 to base 762,in FIG. 1D from base 691 to base 987, or in FIG. 1E from base 691 tobase 837.

Most preferably, a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein encoding DNA segment ofthis invention has a nucleotide base sequence corresponding to thesequence shown in (1) FIG. 1B from base 1 to base 786, base 15 to base786, base 16 to base 786, base 1 to base 793, base 15 to base 793, orbase 16 to base 793; in (2) FIG. 1C from base 1 to base 789, base 15 tobase 789, base 16 to base 789, base 1 to base 796, base 15 to base 796,or base 16 to base 796; in (3) FIG. 1D from base 1 to base 1014, base 15to base 1014, base 16 to base 1014, base 1 to base 1021, base 15 to base1021, or base 16 to base 1021; or in (4) FIG. 1E from base 1 to base864, base 15 to base 864, base 16 to base 864, base 1 to base 871, base15 to base 871, or base 16 to base 871.

In preferred embodiments, a DNA segment of the present invention isbound to a complimentary DNA segment, thereby forming a double strandedDNA segment. Preferably, a double stranded DNA segment of this inventionincludes no more than about 800 base pairs, preferably no more thanabout 5000 base pairs, and more preferably no more than about 10,000base pairs. In addition, it should be noted that a double stranded DNAsegment of this invention preferably has a single stranded cohesive tailat one or both of its termini.

A DNA segment of the present invention can easily be prepared fromisolated virus obtain from HIV-infected individuals or synthesized bychemical techniques, for example, the phosphotriester method ofMatteucci et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103:3185 (1981). (The disclosuresof the art cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.) Ofcourse, by chemically synthesizing the structural gene portion, anydesired modifications can be made simply by substituting the appropriatebases for those encoding a native amino acid residue. However, DNAsegments including sequences identical to a segment shown in FIG. 1A,1B, 1C, 1D or 1E are preferred.

C. Recombinant DNA Molecules

The present invention further contemplates a recombinant DNA (rDNA) thatincludes a DNA segment of the present invention operatively linked to avector. A preferred rDNA of the present invention is characterized asbeing capable of directly expressing, in a compatible host, recombinantHIV p24 protein or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein. By "directly expressing"is meant that the mature polypeptide chain of the protein is formed bytranslation alone as opposed to proteolytic cleavage of two or moreterminal amino acid residues from a larger translated precursor protein.Preferred rDNAs of the present invention are the rDNA plasmids pGEXp24and pGEXp24gp41 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, and therDNA plasmids pGEXp24gp41-2 and pGEXp24gp41-1,2 described in Example 1B.

A recombinant DNA molecule of the present invention can be produced byoperatively linking a vector to a DNA segment of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "vector" refers to a DNA molecule capable ofautonomous replication in a cell and to which another DNA segment can beoperatively linked so as to bring about replication of the attachedsegment. Vectors capable of directing the expression of a HIV p24protein or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein structural gene are referred toherein as "expression vectors". Thus, a recombinant DNA molecule (rDNA)is a hybrid DNA molecule comprising at least two nucleotide sequencesnot normally found together in nature.

The choice of vector to which a DNA segment of the present invention isoperatively linked depends directly, as is well known in the art, on thefunctional properties desired, e.g., protein expression, and the hostcell to be transformed, these being limitations inherent in the art ofconstructing recombinant DNA molecules. However, a vector contemplatedby the present invention is at least capable of directing thereplication, and preferably also expression, of the recombinant HIV p24or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein structural gene included in DNA segmentsto which it is operatively linked.

In preferred embodiments, a vector contemplated by the present inventionincludes a procaryotic replicon (ori), i.e., a DNA sequence having theability to direct autonomous replication and maintenance of therecombinant DNA molecule extrachromosomally in a procaryotic host cell,such as a bacterial host cell, transformed therewith. Such replicons arewell known in the art. In addition, those embodiments that include aprocaryotic replicon also typically include a gene whose expressionconfers drug resistance to a bacterial host transformed therewith.Typical bacterial drug resistance genes are those that confer resistanceto ampicillin or tetracycline.

Those vectors that include a procaryotic replicon can also include aprocaryotic promoter capable of directing the expression (transcriptionand translation) of the recombinant HIV p24 structural gene or HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein structural gene in a bacterial host cell, suchas E. coli, transformed therewith. A promoter is an expression controlelement formed by a DNA sequence that permits binding of RNA polymeraseand transcription to occur. Promoter sequences compatible with bacterialhosts are typically provided in plasmid vectors containing convenientrestriction sites for insertion of a DNA segment of the presentinvention. Typical of such vector plasmids are pUC8, pUC9, pBR322 andpBR329 available from Biorad Laboratories, (Richmond, Calif.) and pPLand pKK223 available from Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.

A variety of methods have been developed to operatively link DNAsegments to vectors via complementary cohesive termini. For instance,complementary homopolymer tracts can be added to the DNA segment to beinserted and to the vector DNA. The vector and DNA segment are thenjoined by hydrogen bonding between the complementary homopolymeric tailsto form recombinant DNA molecules.

Synthetic linkers containing one or more restriction sites provide analternative method of joining the DNA segment to vectors. The DNAsegment, generated by endonuclease restriction digestion as describedearlier, is treated with bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase or E. coli DNApolymerase I, enzymes that remove protruding, 3', single-strandedtermini with their 3'-5' exonucleolytic activities and fill in recessed3' ends with their polymerizing activities. The combination of theseactivities therefore generates blunt-ended DNA segments. The blunt-endedsegments are then incubated with a large molar excess of linkermolecules in the presence of an enzyme that is able to catalyze theligation of blunt-ended DNA molecules, such as bacteriophage T4 DNAligase. Thus, the products of the reaction are DNA segments carryingpolymeric linker sequences at their ends. These DNA segments are thencleaved with the appropriate restriction enzyme and ligated to anexpression vector that has been cleaved with an enzyme that producestermini compatible with those of the DNA segment.

Synthetic linkers containing a variety of restriction endonuclease sitesare commercially available from a number of sources includingInternational Biotechnologies, Inc., New Haven, Conn.

Also contemplated by the present invention are RNA equivalents of theabove described recombinant DNA molecules.

D. Transformed Cells and Cultures

The present invention also relates to a procaryotic host celltransformed with a recombinant DNA molecule of the present invention,preferably an rDNA capable of expressing a recombinant HIV p24 or HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein, and more preferably rDNA plasmid pGEXp24,pGEXp24gp41, pGEXp24gp41-2 or pGEXp24gp41-1,2. Bacterial cells arepreferred procaryotic host cells and typically are a strain of E. coli,such as, for example, the E. coli strain DH5 available from BethesdaResearch Laboratories, Inc., Bethesda, Md. Transformation of appropriatecell hosts with a recombinant DNA molecule of the present invention isaccomplished by well known methods that typically depend on the type ofvector used. With regard to transformation of procaryotic host cells,see, for example, Cohen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 69:2110(1972); and Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Mammal,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1982).

Successfully transformed cells, i.e., cells that contain a recombinantDNA molecule of the present invention, can be identified by well knowntechniques. For example, cells resulting from the introduction of anrDNA of the present invention can be cloned to produce monoclonalcolonies. Cells from those colonies can be harvested, lysed and theirDNA content examined for the presence of the rDNA using a method such asthat described by Southern, J. Mol. Biol., 98:503 (1975) or Berent etal., Biotech., 3:208 (1985).

In addition to directly assaying for the presence of rDNA, successfultransformation can be confirmed by well known immunological methods whenthe rDNA is capable of directing the expression of HIV p24. For example,cells successfully transformed with an expression vector produceproteins displaying HIV core (p24) antigenicity. Samples of cellssuspected of being transformed are harvested and assayed for thepresence of HIV p24 using antibodies specific for that antigen, suchantibodies being well known in the art.

Thus, in addition to the transformed host cells themselves, the presentinvention also contemplates a culture of those cells, preferably amonoclonal (clonally homogeneous) culture, or a culture derived from amonoclonal culture, in a nutrient medium. Preferably, the culture alsocontains a protein displaying HIV p24 antigenicity and more preferably,water soluble HIV p24.

Nutrient media useful for culturing transformed host cells are wellknown in the art and can be obtained from several commercial sources.

E. Methods for Producing Recombinant HIV p24 and HIV p24-gp41 FusionProteins

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method forproducing recombinant HIV p24 and HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteins of thisinvention.

The present method entails initiating a culture comprising a nutrientmedium containing host cells, preferably E. coli cells, transformed witha recombinant DNA molecule of the present invention that is capable ofexpressing a recombinant HIV p24 protein or a HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein. The culture is maintained for a time period sufficient for thetransformed cells to express the recombinant HIV p24 protein or HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein. The expressed protein is then recovered fromthe culture.

However, as is well known in the art, the expressed protein recoveredwill not typically contain the amino-terminal methionine residue presenton the initial translation product because of cellular processing.

Methods for recovering an expressed protein from a culture are wellknown in the art and include fractionation of the protein-containingportion of the culture using well known biochemical techniques. Forinstance, the methods of gel filtration, gel chromatography,ultrafiltration, electrophoresis, ion exchange, affinity chromatographyand the like, such as are known for protein fractionations, can be usedto isolate the expressed proteins found in the culture. In addition,immunochemical methods, such as immunoaffinity, immunoadsorption and thelike can be performed using well known methods.

F. Recombinant HIV p24Protein, HIV p24-gp41 Fusion Proteins and HIVp24-A5 Conjugate Compositions

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a compositioncontaining HIV p24 protein that is essentially free of both procaryoticantigens (i.e., host cell-specific antigens) and other HIV-relatedproteins.

By "essentially free" is meant that the ratio of HIV p24 protein toeither procaryotic antigen or other HIV-related protein is at least1000:1, and preferably is 10,000:1.

The presence and amount of contaminating protein in a recombinantprotein preparation can be determined by well known methods. Preferably,a sample of the composition is subjected to sodium dodecysulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to separate therecombinant protein from any protein contaminants present. The ratio ofthe amounts of the proteins present in the sample is then determined bydensitometric soft laser scanning, as is well known in the art. SeeGuilian et al., Anal. Biochem., 129:277-287 (1983).

Preferably, the HIV p24 protein present in the composition has an aminoacid residue sequence represented by FIG. 1A from residue 1 or 2 toresidue 232.

A HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein is contemplated in the present inventionhaving an amino acid residue sequence corresponding from itsamino-terminus to its carboxy-terminus to the amino acid residuesequence shown in FIG. 1B from residue 1 or 2 to about residue 248, inFIG. 1C from residue 1 or 2 to about residue 249, in FIG. 1D fromresidue 1 or 2 to about residue 324, or in FIG. 1E from residue 1 or 2to about residue 274. A preferred HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein has asequence corresponding to, and more preferably identical to, the residuesequence in FIG. 1B from residue 1 or 2 to about residue 257, in FIG. 1Cfrom residue 1 or 2 to about residue 258, in FIG. 1D from residue 1 or 2to about residue 333, or in FIG. 1E from residue 1 or 2 to about residue283. Also contemplated are compositions containing a HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein of this invention.

Preferred HIV antigens of the present invention have a common aminoterminal portion corresponding in amino acid residue sequence to thesequence represented in FIG. 1A from residue 1 or 2 to residue 224(i.e., a p24 derived portion), and have varying carboxy termini,preferably including an amino acid residue sequence capable ofimmunologically mimicking an HIV gp41 epitope. For example, preferredHIV p24-gp41 fusion proteins are represented in FIG. 6 having severalcontemplated carboxy termini. In preferred embodiments, the HIV p24-gp41fusion proteins are in non-reduced form, i.e., are substantially free ofsulfhydryl groups because of intramolecular Cys-Cys bonding.

In preferred compositions, the HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein, or HIV p24-A5 conjugate as described hereinbelow, is present ina pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable" refers tomolecular entities and compositions that do not produce an allergic orsimilar untoward reaction, such as gastric upset, dizziness and thelike, when administered to a mammal. The pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier may take a wide variety of forms depending upon the intended useof the preparation. In any case, the compositions contain at least about0.001% to about 99%, of recombinant HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein or HIV p24-A5 conjugate as an active ingredient, typically at aconcentration of about 10 ug/ml.

As an example, a recombinant HIV p24 protein of the present inventioncan be utilized in liquid compositions such as sterile suspensions orsolutions, or as isotonic preparations containing suitablepreservatives.

A recombinant HIV p24 protein, HIV p24gp-41 fusion protein or HIV p24-A5conjugate of the present invention can also be used in the form ofliposomes. As is known in the art, liposomes are generally derived fromphospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed by mono-or multi-lamellar hydrated liquid crystals that are dispersed in anaqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically acceptable andmetabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. Thepresent compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to arecombinant HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein or HIV p24-A5conjugate of the present invention, stabilizers, preservatives,excipients, and the like. The preferred lipids are the phospholipids andthe phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic.

Methods to form liposomes are known in the art. See, for example,Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biology, Volume XIV, Academic Press, NewYork, N.Y. (1976), p. 33 et seq.

A composition useful for inducing anti-p24 antibodies in a mammal cancontain a HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein or HIV p24-A5conjugate of this invention, formulated into the composition as aneutralized pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the freeamino groups of the polypeptide or antibody molecule) and which areformed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric orphosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric,mandelic, and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups canalso be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium,potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, trimethylamine,2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

The HIV p24 protein-, HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein- or HIV p24-A5conjugate-containing composition is conventionally administeredparenterally as by injection of a unit dose, for example. The term "unitdose" when used in reference to a composition used in the presentinvention refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitarydosages for humans, each unit containing a predetermined quantity ofactive material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect inassociation with the required carrier.

The composition is administered in a manner compatible with the dosageformulation, and in a therapeutically effective amount. The quantity tobe administered depends on the subject to be treated, capacity of thesubject's immune system to utilize the active ingredient, and degree ofimmune response desired. Precise amounts of active ingredient requiredto be administered depend on the judgement of the practitioner and arepeculiar to each individual. However, suitable dosage ranges are of theorder of one to ten micrograms of recombinant HIV p24 protein, HIVp24gp41 fusion protein or HIV p24-A5 conjugate per kilogram body weight,depending on the route of administration. Typically, a unit dose for anadult human is from 100-200 micrograms when administered by parenteralinjection.

It should be understood that in addition to the aforementioned carrieringredients the pharmaceutical formulation described herein can include,as appropriate, one or more additional carrier ingredients such asdiluents, buffers, flavoring agents, binders, surface active agents,thickness, lubricants, preservatives (including antioxidants) and thelike, and substances included for the purpose of rendering theformulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient.

G. HIV p24-A5 Conjugate

The present invention contemplates an antigenic conjugate comprising asubject HIV p24 protein operatively linked via an amino acid residueside group to a polypeptide designated A5. Polypeptide A5 has an aminoacid residue sequence represented by the formula:

    Asp-Gln-Gln-Leu-Leu-Gly-Ile-Trp-Gly-Cys-Ser-Gly-Lys-Leu-Ile-Cys-Thr-Thr-Ala-Val-Pro-TrP-Asn-Cys.

Polypeptide A5 contains as its amino acid residue sequence a portion ofthe HIV gp41 amino acid residue sequence and, when used in an HIV p24A5conjugate, also includes the cysteine (Cys) residue shown in the aboveformula at the carboxy terminus to facilitate operative linkage to asubject HIV p24 protein.

Methods for operatively linking polypeptides through an amino acidresidue side group are well known in the art. Those methods includelinking through one or more types of functional groups on various sidechains and result in the respective polypeptide backbones beingcovalently linked (coupled) but separated by at lease one side group.

Useful side chain functional groups include epsilon-amino groups, beta-or gamma-carboxyl groups, thio (--SH) groups and aromatic rings (e.g.tyrosine and histidine). Methods for linking polypeptides using each ofthe above functional groups are described in Erlanger, Method ofEnzymology, 70:85 (1980), Aurameas, et al., Scand. J. Immunol., Vol. 8,Suppl. 7, 7-23 (1978) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,795 to Nestor et al.,whose disclosures are all incorporated herein by reference. In addition,a site-directed coupling reaction, as described in Rodwell et al.,Biotech., 3:889-894 (1985), can be carried out so that the biologicalactivity of the polypeptides is not substantially diminished.

Furthermore, as is well known in the art, both HIV p24 and polypeptideA5 can be used in their native form or their functional group contentcan be modified by succinylation of lysine residues or reaction withcysteine-thiolactone. A sulfhydryl group may also be incorporated intoeither polypeptide by reaction or amino functions with 2-iminothiolaneor the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of 3- (3-dithiopyridyl) propionate.The polypeptides can also be modified to incorporate spacer arms, suchas hexamethylene diamine or other bifunctional molecules of similarsize, to facilitate linking.

Particularly useful in forming linkages for coupling HIV p24 protein andpolypeptide A5 are a large number of heterobifunctional reagents whichgenerate a disulfide link at one functional group end and a peptide linkat the other, including N-succidimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) proprionate(SPDP). This reagent creates a disulfide linkage between itself and acysteine residue in one protein and an amide linkage through anepsilon-amino group on a lysine or other free amino group in the other.A variety of such disulfide/amide forming agents are known. See forexample Immun. Rev., 62:185 (1982). Other bifunctional coupling agentsform a thioester rather than a disulfide linkage. Many of thesethioester forming agents are commercially available and include reactiveesters of 6-maleimidocaproic acid, 2-bromoacetic acid, 2-iodoaceticacid, 4-(N-maleimido-methyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid and the like.The carboxyl groups can be activated by combining them with succinimideor 1-hydroxy-2-nitro-4-sulfonic acid, sodium salt. The particularlypreferred coupling agent for the method of this invention issuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC)obtained from Pierce Company, Rockford, Ill. The foregoing list is notmeant to be exhaustive, and modifications of the named compounds canclearly be used.

Polypeptide A5 can be synthesized by any of the techniques that areknown to those skilled in the polypeptide art. Synthetic chemistrytechniques, such as a solid-phase Merrifield-type synthesis, arepreferred for reasons of purity, antigenic specificity, freedom fromundesired side products, ease of production and the like, and can becarried out according to the methods described in Merrifield et al., J.Am. Chem. Soc., 85:2149-2154 (1963) and Houghten et al., Int. J. Pept.Prot. Res., 16:311-320 (1980). An excellent summary of the manytechniques available can be found in J. M. Steward and J. D. Young,"Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis" W.H. Freeman Co., San Francisco, 1969;M. Bodanszky, et al., "Peptide Synthesis", John Wiley & Sons, SecondEdition, 1976 and J. Meienhofer, "Hormonal Proteins and Peptides" Vol 2p 46 Academic Press (New York), 1983 for solid phase peptide synthesis,and E. Schroder and K. Kubke, "The peptides", Vol. 1, Academic Press(New York), 1965 for classical solution synthesis, each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

H. Diagnostic Systems

A diagnostic system in kit form of the present invention includes, in anamount sufficient for at least one assay, a HIV p24 protein composition,a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein, or a HIV p24-A5 conjugate of the presentinvention, as a separately packaged reagent. Instructions for use of thepackaged reagent are also typically included.

"Instructions for use" typically include a tangible expressiondescribing the reagent concentration or at least one assay methodparameter such as the relative amounts of reagent and sample to beadmixed, maintenance time periods for reagent/sample admixtures,temperature, buffer conditions and the like.

In preferred embodiments, a diagnostic system of the present inventionfurther includes a label or indicating means capable of signaling theformation of a complex containing a recombinant HIV p24 protein.

As used herein, the terms "label" and "indicating means" in theirvarious grammatical forms refer to single atoms and molecules that areeither directly or indirectly involved in the production of a detectablesignal to indicate the presence of a complex. "In vivo" labels orindicating means are those useful within the body of a human subject.Any label or indicating means can be linked to or incorporated in anexpressed protein, polypeptide, or antibody molecule that is part of anantibody or monoclonal antibody composition of the present invention, orused separately, and those atoms or molecules can be used alone or inconjunction with additional reagents. Such labels are themselveswell-known in clinical diagnostic chemistry and constitute a part ofthis invention only insofar as they are utilized with otherwise novelproteins methods and/or systems.

The linking of labels, i.e., labeling of, polypeptides and proteins iswell known in the art. For instance, antibody molecules produced by ahybridoma can be labeled by metabolic incorporation ofradioisotope-containing amino acids provided as a component in theculture medium. See, for example, Galfre et al., Meth. Enzymol., 73:3-46(1981). The techniques of protein conjugation or coupling throughactivated functional groups are particularly applicable. See, forexample, Aurameas, et al., Scand. J. Immunol., Vol. 8 Suppl. 7:7-23(1978), Rodwell et al., Biotech., 3:889-894 (1984), and U.S. Pat. No.4,493,795.

The diagnostic systems can also include, preferably as a separatepackage, a specific binding agent. A "specific binding agent" is amolecular entity capable of selectively binding a reagent species of thepresent invention but is not itself a protein expression product,polypeptide, or antibody molecule of the present invention. Exemplaryspecific binding agents are antibody molecules, complement proteins orfragments thereof, protein A, and the like. Preferably the specificbinding agent can bind the recombinant protein when the protein ispresent as part of a complex.

In preferred embodiments the specific binding agent is labeled. However,when the diagnostic system includes a specific binding agent that is notlabeled, the agent is typically used as an amplifying means or reagent.In these embodiments, the labeled specific binding agent is capable ofspecifically binding the amplifying means when the amplifying means isbound to a reagent species-containing complex.

The diagnostic kits of the present invention can be used in an "ELISA"format to detect the presence or quantity of anti-HIV p24 antibodies ina body fluid sample such as serum, plasma or saliva. "ELISA" refers toan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that employs an antibody or antigenbound to a solid phase and an enzyme-antigen or enzyme-antibodyconjugate to detect and quantify the amount of an antigen or antibodypresent in a sample. A description of the ELISA technique is found inChapter 22 of the 4th Edition of Basic and Clinical Immunology by D. P.Sites et al., published by Lange Medical Publications of Los Altos,Calif. in 1982 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,654,090; 3,850,752; and4,016,043, which are all incorporated herein by reference.

Thus, in preferred embodiments, the HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein or HIV p24-A5 conjugate of the present invention can be affixedto a solid matrix to form a solid support that is separately packaged inthe subject diagnostic systems.

The reagent is typically affixed to the solid matrix by adsorption froman aqueous medium although other modes of affixation, well known tothose skilled in the art can be used.

Useful solid matrices are well known in the art. Such materials includethe cross-linked dextran available under the trademark SEPHADEX fromPharmacia Fine Chemicals (Piscataway, N.J.); agarose; beads ofpolystyrene about 1 micron to about 5 millimeters in diameter availablefrom Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago, Ill.; polyvinyl chloride,polystyrene, cross-linked polyacrylamide, nitrocellulose- or nylon-basedwebs such as sheets, strips or paddles; or tubes, plates or the wells ofa microtiter plate such as those made from polystyrene orpolyvinylchloride.

The HIV p24 protein, HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein, P24-A5 conjugate,labeled specific binding agent or amplifying reagent of any diagnosticsystem described herein can be provided in solution, as a liquiddispersion or as a substantially dry power, e.g., in lyophilized form.Where the indicating means is an enzyme, the enzyme's substrate can alsobe provided in a separate package of a system. A solid support such asthe before-described microtiter plate and one or more buffers can alsobe included as separately packaged elements in this diagnostic assaysystem.

The packages discussed herein in relation to diagnostic systems arethose customarily utilized in diagnostic systems. Such packages includeglass and plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate)bottles, vials, plastic and plastic- foil laminated envelopes and thelike.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are given for illustrative purposes only and donot in any way limit the scope of the invention.

1. Production of Recombinant DNA Molecules A. Isolation of the p24 GeneFrom the Gag Gene and Its Introduction Into an Expression Vector

The gag region from the pHXB2CG plasmid clone of HTLV IIIB (obtainedfrom Dr. Robert Gallo, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md.) wasisolated by EcoR V restriction enzyme digestion of plasmid pHXB2CG andthe resulting 2.86 kilobase fragment was isolated and inserted byligation into the EcoRV site of a modified pUC8 vector (pUC8NR) to formplasmid pUCGAG (see step 1 of FIG. 2A).

The plasmid (pUCGAG) was mutagenized to generate an ATG translationalinitiation codon and an Nde I restriction enzyme site (CATATG) at thebeginning of the p24 structural gene of gag by the following series ofmanipulations (summarized in step 2 of FIG. 2A). After transformation ofpUCGAG into the methylation deficient dam- strain of E. coli, NEB, a gapwas created in the pUCGAG DNA at the p24 amino terminus by cutting withthe ClaI and PstI restriction enzymes to form gapped pUCGAG that lacksthe smaller DNA segment from the p24 amino terminus. Ten micrograms ofgapped pUCGAG DNA and 10 micrograms of pUCGAG DNA cut with therestriction enzyme EcoR I were both subjected to electrophoresis on a 1%agarose gel, and the DNA fragments were each separately isolated fromthe agarose gel by electroelution (using a model 1750 sampleconcentrator from ISCO, Lincoln, Nebr.), combined, extracted twice witha 50/50 mixture of phenol and chloroform, and precipitated with theaddition of sodium acetate (final concentration, 100 mM) and threevolumes of ethanol.

The precipitated DNAs were collected by centrifugation and resuspendedto a concentration of 25 micrograms per milliliter in water. Afteraddition of an equal volume of annealing buffer (80% formamide, 100 mMTris, pH 8.0, 25 mM EDTA) the resuspended DNAs were denatured by boilingfor 5 minutes and allowed to anneal at 37C. for 30 minutes. The annealedDNAs were diluted with an equal volume of water and precipitated inethanol as described above to form precipitated annealed DNA.

The Nde I and ATG sequences were operatively linked to the aminoterminus of the p24 gene using the following synthetic oligonucleotide:

    5'CCAAAATTACCATATGCCAATCGTGCAGAAC3'.

The 10 nucleotides at the 5' end and 9 nucleotides at the 3' end of thisoligonucleotide are homologous to the HTLV IIIB DNA sequence (Universityof Wisconsin genetic database). The intervening nucleotides were chosento minimize the formation of secondary structures within theoligonucleotide and within the RNA expected to be generated from thissequence during expression of these sequences in E. coli.

Forty picomoles of the above oligonucleotide (synthesized on a PharmaciaGene Assembler) was phosphorylated (as described in Molecular Cloning byT. Maniatis, E. F. Fritsch and J. Sambrook, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory, 1982, p.125) and admixed with 2.5 micrograms of theprecipitated annealed DNA described above. The admixed DNAs were thenannealed by heating the admixture to 65C. for 5 minutes and then coolingto room temperature over the course of an hour in ligase buffer (op.cit., p.474). The resulting DNA molecule (i.e., a gapped template)containing the precipitated annealed DNA described above and the gappedtemplate with the annealed oligonucleotide was then repaired in vitro inligase buffer by incubating for 3 hours at 15C. in the presence of 25micromolar of each deoxynucleoside triphosphate, 50 micromolar adenosinetriphosphate and 5 units of T4 DNA ligase and 1 unit of the Klenowfragment of E. coli DNA polymerase.

After transformation into competent cells of the JM83 strain of E. colithe bacterial colonies were screened by hybridization to radiolabelledoligonucleotide after lifting the colonies onto nitrocellulose (op.cit.,pp. 250-251, 313-329). A single colony was isolated by thisprocedure which gave the following plasmid DNA sequence for the aminoterminal sequence of the p24 gene (pUCp40, FIG. 2A):

    ______________________________________                                        Met Pro Ile Val       . . .                                                   5' taccat ATG CCA ATC GTG                                                                           . . .  3'.                                              ______________________________________                                    

The DNA fragment from pUCp40 encoding a p24-p15 fusion protein referredto as p40 below and located between the Nde I restriction enzyme sitecreated by the above mutagenesis and the EcoRV site on the carboxyterminal side of the gag gene, was isolated by first digesting plasmidpUCp40 with Nde I and EcoR V followed by separation on agarose gels,extraction and precipitation of the separated fragment.

Plasmid pGEX7 DNA was linearized by digestion with Nde I and EcoR V.Plasmid pGEX7 is a bacterial expression vector deposited as plasmidPHAGE 38 with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) on Jun. 9,1988 and given the ATCC accession number 40464.

It contains a lambda bacteriophage promoter (P_(L)), the gene for itstemperature sensitive repressor (CI 857), a consensus bacterial ribosomebinding site and an origin of replication (ori).

The digestion of pGEX7 with Nde I and EcoR V results in the productionof two linear fragments, one of which contains the amp^(r) and CI857genes and the origin of replication and has Nde I and EcoR V cohesivetermini. The above described p40 gene-containing Nde I/EcoR Vrestriction fragment of pUCp40 was then ligated to the pGEX7 Nde I/EcoRV amp^(r) gene-containing fragment via their respective Nde I and EcoR Vtermini to form the plasmid pGEXp40. (Step 3, FIG. 2A.)

The sequences of pGEXp40 encoding p15 were removed from plasmid pGEXp40by restriction digestion with the enzymes PpuM I and BamH I. Thereafterthe 3' end of the p24 gene was reconstructed as is summarized by step 4in FIG. 2A by incorporating the two following synthetic oligonucleotides(synthetic linker) containing the PpuM I and BamH I restriction enzymesites and translational stop codons:

    ______________________________________                                        5' GACCCGGCCATAAGGCAAGAGTTTTGTAATAAG 3'                                       3' GGCCGGTATTCCGTTCTCAAAACATTATTCCTAG 5'.                                     ______________________________________                                    

The resulting rDNA plasmid (pGEXp24) encodes the following sequence atthe carboxy terminal end of p24:

    __________________________________________________________________________         Pro                                                                              Gly His                                                                              Lys Ala Arg Val                                                                              Leu                                                                              *  *                                         5'                                                                              GA CCC                                                                              GGC CAT                                                                              AAG GCA AGA GTT                                                                              TTG                                                                              TAA                                                                              TAA                                                                              G 3'.                                  __________________________________________________________________________

Thus, rDNA plasmid pGEXp24 contains first and second double stranded DNAsegments operatively linked via Nde I and BamH I cohesive terminipresent on both segments. The first segment contains the recombinant HIVp24 protein structural gene and has a nucleotide base sequencerepresented by FIG. 1A from base 15 at its Nde I terminus (5' codingstrand terminus) to base 718 at its BamH I terminus (3' coding strandterminus). The second segment is the expression vector and is theampicillin resistance (amp^(r)) gene-containing Nde I/BamH I restrictionfragment of pGEX7.

B. Production of A Structural Gene Coding For A Fusion Protein

pGEXp24gp41: The plasmid pGEXp24, produced in Example 1A, was digestedwith the restriction enzyme PpuM I to form a linearized pGEXp24 DNAsegment having PpuM I cohesive termini. A DNA segment having PpuM Icohesive termini and coding for an amino acid residue sequence capableof immunologically mimicking an HIV gp41 epitope (polypeptide A5) wasligated to the linearized pGEXp24 DNA to form the recombinant DNAplasmid pGEXp24gp41. As a result of the ligation, plasmid pGEXp24gp41contains the HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein (p24-A5) structural genedefined by the nucleotide base sequence as shown in FIG. 1B from base 16to base 786. That is, pGEXp24gp41 is a plasmid containing first andsecond double stranded DNA segments operatively linked via Nde I andBamH I cohesive termini present on both segments. The first segmentcontains the HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein encoding structural gene andhas the nucleotide base sequence represented by FIG. 1B from base 15 atits Nde I terminus (5' coding strand terminus) to base 793 at its Bam HIterminus (3' coding strand terminus). The second segment is the amp^(r)gene-containing Nde I/BamH I restriction fragment of plasmid pGEX7. TheHIV p24-gp41 fusion protein structural gene is operatively linked to thepGEX7 expression control elements, e.g., the lambda promoter, and istherefore expressed when a compatible bacterial host is transformed withpGEXp24gp41.

DGEXp24gp41-2: A linearized pGEXp24 DNA segment having PpuM I cohesivetermini was prepared as described above for pGEXp24gp41. A DNA segmenthaving PpuM I cohesive termini and coding for an amino acid residuesequence capable of immunologically mimicking an HIV type 2 (HIV-2)epitope (polypeptide A2) was ligated to the linearized pGEXp24 DNA toform the recombinant plasmid pGEXp24gp41-2. As a result of the ligation,plasmid pGEXp24gp41-2 contains the HIV p24-gp41-2 fusion protein(p24-A2) structural gene defined by the nucleotide base sequence asshown in FIG. 1C from base 16 to base 789. That is, pGEXp24gp41-2 is aplasmid containing first and second double stranded DNA segmentsoperatively linked via Nde I and BamH I cohesive termini present on bothsegments. The first segment contains the HIV p24-gp41-2 fusion proteinencoding structural gene and has the nucleotide base sequencerepresented by FIG. 1C from base 15 at its Nde I terminus (5' codingstrand terminus) to base 796 at its BamH I terminus (3' coding strandterminus). The second segment is the amp^(r) gene-containing Nde I/BamHI restriction fragment of plasmid pGEX7. The HIV p24-gp41-2 fusionprotein structural gene is operatively linked to the pGEX7 expressioncontrol elements, e.g., the lambda promoter, and is therefore expressedwhen a compatible bacterial host is transformed with pGEXp24gp41-2.

C. Production of a Structural Gene Coding for a Fusion ProteinContaining Polypeptide Repeats

pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1: Plasmids pGEXp24gp41 and pGEXp24gp41-2, prepared inExample 1B, were each separately digested to completion with therestriction enzyme Ava II, producing in each case a double stranded DNAsegment having Ava II cohesive ends and each coding for an amino acidresidue sequence capable of immunologically mimicking an HIV gp41epitope, identified herein as polypeptides A5 and A2, respectively. Thepolypeptide A5- or polypeptide A2- coding DNA segments were eachsubjected to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, andthe DNA segments were each separately isolated from the gel byelectroelution and precipitated as described in Example 1A.

The precipitated DNA segments that code for polypeptides A5 and A2 wereadmixed with the PpuM I linearized pGEXp24 DNA segment prepared aboveand the three admixed DNA segments were ligated to form plasmids havinga variety of combinations of input segments as is possible with ligationof three DNA segments all having the same cohesive ends. The formedplasmids were transformed into E. coli and were each individuallyisolated as before. Isolated plasmids were then characterized byrestriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis on 1% agarose. Plasmidsdigested with Pvu II were cleaved in the pGEXp24 DNA portion once, werecleaved in the DNA segments that code for polypeptide A5 once, but werenot cleaved in the DNA segments that code for polypeptide A2. Plasmidsdigested with HpA I cleaved if they contain a DNA segment that codes forpolypeptide A2. Plasmids containing DNA segments that code forpolypeptide A5, A2 or both were selected on the basis of their cleavagepattern and isolated as before. The nucleic acid base sequence was thendetermined for each of the isolated plasmids using the Sanger dideoxysequencing method to verify the structure of the combined DNA segmentspresent in each formed plasmid.

One formed plasmid, pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1, contains the HIVp24-gp41-1,2,1,1 fusion protein (p24-A5-A2-A5-A5) structural genedefined by the nucleotide base sequence as shown in FIG. 1D from base 16to base 1014. That is, pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1 is a plasmid containing firstand second double stranded DNA segments operatively linked via Nde I andBamH I cohesive termini present on both segments. The first segmentcontains the HIV p24gp41-1,2,1,1 fusion protein encoding structural geneand has the nucleotide base sequence represented by FIG. 1B from base 15at its Nde I terminus (5' coding strand terminus) to base 1021 at itsBamH I terminus (3' coding strand terminus). The second segment is theamp^(r) gene-containing Nde I/BamH I restriction fragment of plasmidpGEX7. The HIV p24-gp41-1,2,1,1 fusion protein structural gene isoperatively linked to the pGEX7 expression control elements, e.g., thelambda promoter, and is therefore expressed when a compatible bacterialhost is transformed with pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1.

pGEXp24gp41-1,2.: Plasmid pGEXp24gp41-2, prepared in Example 1B, wasdigested to completion with the restriction enzymes Hpa I and BamH I,producing two double stranded DNA segments having Hpa I and BamH Icohesive ends. The smaller of the two DNA segments was isolated from thedigestion mixture by gel electrophoresis, electroelution andprecipitation as described in Example 1A.

Plasmid pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1, prepared in Example 1C, was similarlydigested with Hpa I and BamH I, and the larger of the two resulting DNAsegments was similarly isolated. The small DNA segment isolated frompGEXp24gp41-2 and the large DNA segment isolated frompGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1 were admixed in an equimolar ratio and ligated toform plasmid pGEXp24gp41-1,2 having one of each DNA segment in theproduced plasmid.

The ligated plasmid was transformed into E. coli, individually isolated,and characterized by restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis asbefore. Plasmid pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1 contains the HIV p24-gp41-1,2 fusionprotein (p24-A5-A2) structural gene defined by the nucleotide basesequence as shown in FIG. 1E from base 16 to base 864. That is,pGEXp24gp41-1,2 is a plasmid containing first and second double strandedDNA segments operatively linked via Nde I and BamH I cohesive terminipresent on both segments. The first segment contains the HIVp24-gp41-1,2 fusion protein encoding structural gene and has thenucleotide base sequence represented by FIG. 1B from base 15 at its NdeI terminus (5' coding strand terminus) to base 793 at its BamH Iterminus (3' coding strand terminus). The second segment is the amp^(r)gene-containing Nde I/BamH I restriction fragment of plasmid pGEX7. TheHIV p24-gp41-1,2 fusion protein structural gene is operatively linked tothe pGEX7 expression control elements, e.g., the lambda promoter, and istherefore expressed when a compatible bacterial host is transformed withpGEXp24gp41-1,2.

Other HIV-related p24-gp41 fusion protein structural genes were preparedhaving other combinations of polypeptide A5, and still furthercombinations of polypeptide A5 and polypeptide A2 can be prepared, usingthe methods described above for pGEXp24gp41-1,2,1,1. For example,recombinant DNA plasmids were prepared having the general designationpGEXp24gp41-X, where -X is -1,1, - 1,1,1, or -1,1,1,1,1, correspondingto the fusion proteins p24-A5-A5, p24-A5-A5-A5, or p24-A5-A5-A5,respectively.

2. Recombinant Generation of Structural Gene Products A. Recombinant HIVp24 Protein Structural Gene Expression

Plasmids containing the lambda promoter (pL) are normally carried in astrain of bacteria containing a lysogen of bacteriophage lambda in orderto minimize the expression of the gene product of interest during themanipulation of DNAs. The pGEX7-based plasmids described in Example 1were all carried in a lysogen of the MM294 strain of E. coli. Expressionfrom the lambda promoter of pGEX7 can be demonstrated by transfer of theplasmid into an uninfected bacterial host (e.g., E. coli strain W3110available from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md., asATCC #27325) and inactivation of the cI repressor protein at 42C. ThepGEXp24 plasmid in W3110 was grown overnight in Luria Broth (GIBCOLaboratories, Grand Island, N.Y.) containing 50 micrograms/milliliterampicillin at 30C., and diluted 1/100 into fresh broth the next morning.After reaching an optical density of 0.5 at 550 nanometers the culturewas shifted to a 42C. waterbath with continuous vigorous shaking. Thedensity of the culture was measured at various time points and a sampleof cells removed for analysis of the expression of bacterial proteins byelectrophoresis on a discontinuous pH sodium dodecylsulfate/polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). An example of this type ofanalysis for expression of p24 is shown in FIG. 3. From the level ofprotein stained by Coomassie brilliant blue it appears that p24comprises between 10% and 20% of total cellular protein after inductionfor 2 hours at 42C.

Analysis of the level of p24 produced in these bacteria using the HTLVIII antigen test produced by Abbott Laboratories indicates that p24 ismade at 4.3×10⁸ antigen units per milligram of bacterial protein (asdetermined by Lowry assay).

B. Expression of The Structural Gene Coding For The HIV p24-gp41 FusionProtein

E. coli strain W3110 transformed with pGEXp24gp41 were induced andcultured as described in Example 2A. The recombinantly produced p24-gp41fusion protein was isolated from the transformed cell culture asdescribed below.

3. Purification and Analysis of Recombinant HIV p24 Protein Expressed inE. coli

The purification of recombinant HIV p24 was performed at 4C. All bufferswere prepared at room temperature and cooled to 4C. before use. Trisbuffers were prepared from Tris base (tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethane),and adjusted to the appropriate pH with HCl. The protein concentrationof the recombinant HIV p24 protein composition was determined using anextinction coefficient of 1.29 optical density units-cm⁻¹ for a 0.1%solution as calculated from the theoretical amino acid composition (D.B. Wetlaufer, Adv. Protein Chem., 1962, 17:303-390). The purity of thep24 composition was evaluated by Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 stainingof samples subjected to SDS-PAGE (12.5% acrylamide) according to theprocedure of Laemmli (Nature, 1971, 227:680-685).

A. Cell Lysis and Centrifugation

E. coli (W3110) cells (17g) transformed with pGEXp24 prepared asdescribed in Example 1A were suspended in 85 ml of a buffer containing0.1M sodium phosphate (prepared from NaH₂ PO₄ and adjusted to pH 7.0with NaOH), 5 mM EDTA, 5 mM benzamidine-HCl, 0.5 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, and 1×10⁻⁷ M pepstatin A (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.).The suspension was passed twice through a French pressure cell press(catalog no. FA073, SLM Instruments Inc. Urbane, Ill.) at 16,000 psi,and the resulting homogenate was subjected to centrifugation (18,000×g,40 min). The supernatant (79 ml) from the centrifugation was collectedand centrifuged again at 100,000×g for 1 h in a L7-55 ultracentrifugeusing a type 70.1 ti rotor (Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, Calif.). Atthis stage the recombinant HIV p24 protein is soluble and remains in thesupernatant.

B. Ammonium Sulfate Precipitation

Solid ammonium sulfate to 30% saturation was then admixed to thesupernatant (75 ml) from the ultracentrifugation, and followingdissolution of the salt, the solution was allowed to stir for 30 min.The suspension was subjected to centrifugation at 12,000×g for 20 min.The resulting pellet was dissolved in 15 ml of a buffer containing 100mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.5). This solution was dialyzed for 5 h against 4 l ofa buffer containing 25 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0).

C. Anion Exchange Chromatography

The dialysate was applied (1 ml/min) to a column (2.5×18 cm) of DEAESepharose equilibrated with 25 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 (Pharmacia,Piscataway, N.J.). Following application of sample, the column waswashed (2 ml/min) with 5 column volumes of the equilibration buffer. Therecombinant p24 was eluted from the column with 50 mM NaCl in theequilibration buffer (2 ml/min). The pH of the eluent from the anionexchange column that contained p24 (67.4 mg) was adjusted to 6.8 withsolid NaH₂ PO₄, and recombinant p24 was precipitated through theaddition of solid ammonium sulfate to 30% saturation. Followingdissolution of salt, the solution was stirred for 30 min, and therecombinant p24-containing precipitate was collected by centrifugation(12,000×g, 30 min).

D. Gel Filtration

The ammonium sulfate precipitate was dissolved in 10 ml of 100 mMTris-HCl, pH 8.5, and subjected to chromatography (0.5 ml/min) on acolumn (2.5×90 cm) of Sephacryl S-200 (Pharmacia) previouslyequilibrated with buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCl and 200 mM NaCl (pH8.0). The fractions (4 ml) containing recombinant p24 were pooled (44ml) and subjected to analysis by SDS-PAGE (FIG. 4). No contaminantmaterials were visualized after Coomassie staining of gel lanes chargedwith 12 and 24 micrograms of protein, respectively (FIG. 4). Subsequentstorage of the essentially pure recombinant HIV p24 protein was done at-20C.

E. Western Blotting

To confirm the expression of recombinant HIV p24 protein in E. colitransformed with pGEXp24 rDNA, the cellular proteins, includingrecombinant p24 protein, separated by 12.5% SDS-PAGE in Example 2 weresubjected to analysis using the Western blot technique. See Towbin etal., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 75:4350-4354 (1979).

Briefly, the proteins were electrophoretically transferred from theSDS-PAGE gel to nitrocellulose. The resulting blot (solid-phase affixedantigen) was then immunoreacted with a 1:100 dilution of an HIV coreantigen-positive serum from an AIDS patient.

The results of this Western blot analysis, shown in FIG. 5, indicatethat immunoreactive recombinant HIV p24 protein was produced atdetectable levels in transformed E. coli 30 minutes after induction ofexpression by heat inactivation of the cI repressor protein.

4. Purification of Recombinant HIV p24-gp41 Protein from E. coli

The purification of HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein p24-A5 was performed at4C. All buffers were prepared at room temperature and cooled to 4C.before use. Tris buffers were prepared from Tris base, and adjusted tothe appropriate pH with Hcl. Isolated p24-A5 was quantitated using anextinction coefficient of 1.56 optical density units-cm⁻¹ for a 0.1%solution as calculated from the theoretical amino acid composition (D.B. Wetlaufer, Adv. Protein Chem., 1962, 17:303-390). Purity of p24-A5was evaluated by Coomassie blue staining of samples subjected to SDSpolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (12.5% acrylamide) according to theprocedure of Laemmli (Nature, 1971, 227:680-685).

A. Cell lysis and Centrifugation

E. coli (W3110) cells (16 g) transformed with pGEXp24gp41 prepared asdescribed in Example 1B were. suspended in 80 ml of a buffer containing0.1M sodium phosphate (prepared from NaH₂ PO₄ and adjusted to pH 7.0with NaOH), 5 mM EDTA, 5 mM benzamidine-HCl, 0.5 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF), and 1×10⁻⁷ M pepstatin A (Sigma Chemical Co.). Thesuspension was passed twice through a French pressure cell press (SLMInstruments Inc., cell catalog no. FA073) at 16,000 psi, and theresulting homogenate was subjected to centrifugation (18,000×g, 40 min).The pellet (2.4 g) from the centrifugation was retained and resuspendedin 50 ml of PEB buffer containing 0.1M sodium phosphate (pH 7.0), 5 mMEDTA, and 5 mM benzamidine-HCl. The suspension was subjected tocentrifugation as above. The resulting pellet (1.7 g) was resuspended in80 ml of a buffer containing 50 mM Tris-Hcl, 3M urea, 0.5 mM PMSF and1×10⁻⁵ M pepstatin A (pH 8.5 ). The suspension was stirred at 4C. for 14hours and then subjected to centrifugation as above. The supernatant wascollected and dialyzed against 2 liters of a buffer containing 25 mMTris-Hcl (pH 7.8) for 3 hours and then was subjected to centrifugationat 100,000×g for 1 hour in a Beckman L7-55 ultracentrifuge (type 70.1 Tirotor).

B. Cation Exchange Chromatography

The supernatant produced from the ultracentrifugation of Example 4A wascollected and the pH adjusted to 5.0 with 2M acetic acid. The materialwas then dialyzed (two times) against 2 liters of 25 mM sodium acetate(pH 5.0). The dialysate was applied (1 ml/min) to a column (2.5×15 cm)of CM Sepharose (Pharmacia; equilibrated with 25 mM sodium acetate, pH5.0). Following application of sample, the column was washed (2 ml/min)with 5 column volumes of the equilibration buffer. The HIV p24-gp41fusion protein was eluted from the column with a linear gradient of NaClin the equilibration buffer (1 liter, 0 to 400 mM in NaCl). Thefractions containing the fusion protein at a purity of >95% (asdetermined through SDS PAGE) were pooled and stored at -80C.

5. Preparation of a Recombinant HIV p24 Protein-Antigenic HIV. gp41Polypeptide Conjugate

Three ml of the essentially pure recombinant HIV p24 protein, about0.616 mg, produced in Example 3D were dialyzed for 48 h against 3 literof 0.2M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 8.5, containing 1 mM MgCl. A 10 mMsolution of SPDP (Pharmacia) in ethanol was prepared and had an O.D. at280 nm of 0.045. Two hundred ul of 0.8M NaCO was admixed to the SPDPsolution and the absorbance measured after 10 minutes. The ester(activated SPDP) concentration of the thus treated SPDP solution wascalculated to correspond to 9.66 mM.

To prepare the recombinant HIV p24-SPDP derivative, 2 mg of recombinantHIV p24 protein (0.0083 umol) was treated with 0.42 umol of theactivated SPDP (43 ul of the above SPDP solution) at room temperaturefor 15 minutes. Desalting was achieved by Sephadex G-10 chromatographyby applying the samples to pd 10 columns and collecting 2 ml of theeffluent. The degree of substitution was calculated to approximately 3.4moles of thiol per mole of recombinant HIV p24 protein.

To operatively link the A5 polypeptide to the thiolated recombinant HIVp24 protein preparation, 0,162 micromoles of the peptide were admixedwith the thiolated protein (about 3.5 moles of peptide per mole of p24polypeptide) and the admixture was incubated (maintained) at 4 degreesover night. After continuing the incubation at room temperature (about20C.) for 8 hours, the absorbance of the solution at 343 nanometers wasmeasured and determined to be 0.35, indicating that 3.8 moles of thethiolated p24 had hydrolyzed to yield recombinant HIV p24-A5 polypeptideconjugate (p24-A5 conjugate).

As a control, BSA-A5 conjugate was prepared by the above proceduresusing bovine serum albumin (BSA) in place of recombinant HIV p24protein.

6. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA)

Antigens were adsorbed onto washed plastic microliter wells (NuncMicroWell Module, catalog no. 468667). Solutions containing the antigensp24, p24-A5 fusion protein, p24-A5 conjugate or BSA-A5 conjugate,prepared in Examples 3, 4, 5 and 5, respectively, at 10 micrograms permilliliter in 50 millimolar (mM) sodium carbonate, pH 9.5 and 150 mMNaCl were admixed into the wells and maintained for one hour at roomtemperature. The coating solution was removed and the nonspecificbinding sites on the wells were blocked by incubation overnight at roomtemperature with a solution of 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA, Fraction V,SIGMA Chemicals) in a phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS: 40 gNaCl, 1 g KH₂ PO₄, 5.7 g Na₂ HPO₄, 1 g KCl, 1 g NaN₃ in 5 liters ofaqueous solution). After blocking, the plate was rinsed three times withwater and allowed to dry, thereby forming a blocked solid-phase affixedantigen.

ELISA assays were performed by admixing dilutions of AIDS patient serum,normal human serum or rabbit antisera directed against purified HIVrecombinant p24 protein with the solid-phase affixed antigens. Sera werediluted in PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 detergent and 0.1% BSA (PTBbuffer). After maintaining the immunoreaction admixtures for one hour at37C. to permit immunoreaction product formation, the wells were washedthree times with PBS/0.05% Tween 20. To each well was then admixed a1:1000 dilution, in PTB buffer, of either goat anti-human IgG coupled toalkaline phosphatase (SIGMA no. A-3150) as a label or sheep anti-rabbitimmunoglobulin coupled to betagalactosidase (Pharmacia) as a label.After incubation for 30 min at 37C. with the second antibody the wellswere washed five times with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20 when alkalinephosphatase was used as a label, para-nitrophenyl phosphate (SIGMA) in abuffer of 10% triethanolamine, pH 9.8, 1 mM MgCl₂ was admixed to eachwell, and the wells maintained for 30 min at room temperature. Whenbetagalactosidase was used as a label, four micrograms per milliliterortho-nitrophenyl galactoside (SIGMA) in 100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7were admixed to each well, and the wells were maintained for 2 hours at37C. The extent of enzymatic reaction was monitored by reading theoptical density of the solution in the microwells at 405 nanometers in aBioRad spectrophotometer.

The results of these studies are shown in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        ELISA Results Using Recombinant HIV                                           p24 Protein, HIV p24-gp41 Fusion Protein                                      and HIV p24-gp41 Conjugate                                                           Antigen.sup.2                                                          Serum.sup.1       p24-A5    p24-A5  BSA-A5                                    Sample   p24      fusion    conjugate                                                                             conjugate                                 ______________________________________                                        Normal   1:80     1:160     1:320   1:40                                      13690    1:80     1:10240   1:5120  1:5120                                    F666-4   1:80     1:10240   1:10240 1:10240                                   F666-6   3:00     1:80      1:80    1:40                                      8015     1:80     1:20480   1:10240 1:10240                                   8036     1:80     1:10240   1:10240 1:10240                                   8055     --.sup.3  --        --     1:40                                      8057     1:80     1:10240   1:10240 1:10240                                   rabbit   --       1:64000   1:64000  --                                       anti-p24                                                                      ______________________________________                                         .sup.1 Serum samples were initially diluted 1:20 and subsequently diluted     twofold serially. An endpoint for the titration of the antisera is given      where the optical density reading dropped below 0.1. Normal = serum from      healthy heterosexual human. Rabbit antip24 = serum from a rabbit immunize     with recombinant HIV p24 protein.                                             .sup.2 Solidphase affixed antigens were: recombinant HIV p24 protein          (p24); recombinant HIV p24polypeptide A5 protein (p24A5 fusion);              recombinant HIV p24 proteinpolypeptide A5 conjugate (p24A5 conjugate); an     bovine serum albuminA5 conjugate (BSAA5 conjugate).                           .sup.3 No detectable titer.                                              

The results shown in Table 1 indicate that the recombinant HIV p24-A5fusion protein and recombinant HIV p24-A5 conjugate were more sensitivein detecting anti-HIV antibodies than recombinant HIV p24 protein alone.In addition, in 2 out of 5 AIDS patient sera, the recombinant HIV p24-A5fusion protein was more sensitive in detecting anti-HIV antibodies thanthe recombinant HIV p24-A5 conjugate or BSA-A5 conjugate. This wasespecially surprising in view of there being about 4 times as many HIVgp41 epitopes (A5 polypeptide) available for immunoreaction on theconjugates as compared to the fusion protein.

7. Purification of Recombinant HIV p24-gp41 Protein from E. Coli

HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein p24-A5 was also purified by a proceduresimilar to that in Example 4 but with the exceptions noted.

E. Coli (W3110) cells (50 gm) transformed with pGEXp24gp41 prepared asdescribed in Example 1B were suspended with a tissue homogenizer(Polytron fitted with a 15 mm probe) in 250 ml of suspension buffer(0.1M sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, 5 mM EDTA, 5 mM benzamidine-HCl, 0.5 mMPMSF) containing 0.17% (w/v) lysozyme (SIGMA, grade I). The suspensionwas maintained at 22C. for 40 min with stirring agitation and thencooled to 4C. The cooled suspension was then passed through a Frenchpress and centrifuged (18,000×g, 40 min). The resulting pellet (6.4 gm)was resuspended in 150 ml of PEB buffer and centrifuged (18,000×g, 30min). The resulting pellet was resuspended in 100 ml of a buffercontaining 100 mM Tris-HCl, 3M urea and 10 mM dithiothreitol, pH 8.5.The suspension was stirred at 4C. for 1 hr and then subjected tocentrifugation for 40 min at 35,000 rpm in a 45 Ti rotor (Beckman). Theresulting supernatant was collected and dialyzed against 4 liters of abuffer containing 0.1M sodium phosphate and 30% saturated ammoniumsulfate, pH 6.5, and then was subjected to centrifugation for 20 min at18,000×g. The resulting pellet was resuspended in 35 ml of a buffercontaining 0.1M sodium phosphate, 5 mM EDTA, 6M guanidine HCl and 10 mMmercaptoethanol, pH 7.0, to form a guanidine fusion protein solution.

The guanidine solution was applied to a column (5.0×90 cm) of SephacrylS-200 (Pharmacia) pre-equilibrated with S-200 buffer containing 6Mguanidine HCl, 50 mM Tris, 5 mM EDTA and 10 mM mercaptoethanol, pH 7.0.Eluted fractions were collected when S-200 buffer was then applied tothe column, and each fraction was monitored for absorbance at 280 nm(A280) to determine protein content. Fractions containing a peak ofeluted protein were pooled and diluted to an A280 of 0.5 using a buffercontaining 15 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5, and 3M urea. Each pooled peak wasanalyzed by SDS-PAGE as described in Example 2A to identify the pooledfractions containing purified HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein. The fusionprotein containing pool was dialyzed for 4 hours and then for 14 hoursagainst 4 liters of 15 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5, containing 3M urea to form adialyzed fusion protein solution containing urea. The dialyzed solutionwas then dialyzed for 4 hours against 15 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5, to formdialyzed fusion protein, said protein being substantially free ofsulfhydryl groups, i.e., the protein was in non-reduced form.

The dialyzed fusion protein was applied (2 ml/min) to a column (2.6×20cm) of DEAE-Sepharose (Pharmacia) pre-equilibrated with 15 mM Tris-HCl,pH 8.5. Following application of sample, the column was washed (2ml/min) with 2 column volumes of equilibration buffer containing 10 mMNACl. The HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein was eluted from the column with agradient of NaCl in the equilibration buffer (1 liter, 10 to 30 mM inNaCl). The fractions containing the fusion protein at a purify ofgreater than 95% (as determined through SDS-PAGE) were pooled to formDEAE-isolated fusion protein.

The pH of the pooled fractions from the DEAE-Sepharose column wasadjusted to 5.5 by adding 20% acetic acid and was then dialyzed against4 liters of a buffer containing 25 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. Thedialysate was then subjected to centrifugation for 1 hr at 40,000 rpm ina type 45 Ti rotor in a Beckman L7-55 ultracentrifuge. The resultingsupernatant was applied (2 ml/min) to a column (2.6×10 cm) ofCM-Sepharose CL-6B (Pharmacia) pre-equilibrated with a buffer containing25 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. Following application of sample, thecolumn was washed (2 ml/min) with 200 ml of the equilibration buffercontaining 30 mM NaCl. The HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein was eluted fromthe column with a linear gradient of NaCl in the equilibration buffer (1liter, 30 to 250 mM in NaCl). The fractions containing the fusionprotein at a purity of a greater than 95% (as determined throughSAS-PAGE) were pooled and stored at -20C. to form CM-isolated fusionprotein.

8. Purification of Recombinant HIV p24-gp41-2 Protein from E. coli

HIV p24-gp41-2 fusion protein p24-A2 was purified by the proceduredescribed in Example 7 with the following exceptions as noted.

E. coli cells were transformed with pGEXp24gp41-2, prepared as describedin Example 1B. The p24-gp41-2 fusion protein expressed by thetransformed cells was then isolated as described in Example 7 to formDEAE isolated protein.

9. Purification of Recombinant HIV p24-gp41-1,2 Protein from E. coli

HIV p24gp41-1,2 fusion protein p24-A5-A2 was purified by the proceduredescribed in example 7 with the following exceptions as noted.

E. coli cells were transformed with pGEXp24gp41-1,2, prepared asdescribed in Example 1B, and then were processed as described in Example7 through the guanidine resuspension step to form a guanidine fusionprotein solution containing isolated HIV p24gp41-1,2 fusion protein.

10. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA)

ELISA was conducted as described in Example 6 using the antigens p24, orone of the fusion proteins p24-A5, p24-A2, or p24-A5-A2, prepared inExamples 3, 7, 8 and 9, respectively.

The results of the ELISA studies are shown in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        ELISA Results Using Recombinant HIV                                           p24 Protein and HIV Fusion Proteins                                           p24-gp41, p24-gp41-2 or p24-gp41-1,2                                                   Antisen.sup.2                                                        Serum               p24-A5   p24-A2 p24-A5-A2                                 Sample.sup.1                                                                             p24      fusion   fusion fusion                                    ______________________________________                                        HIV-1                                                                         13690      1:900    1:8100   1:900  1:8100                                    F666-4     1:400    1:10800  1:400  1:10800                                   HIV-2                                                                         2A         1:100    1:300    1:2700 1:2700                                    2B         1:100    1:300    1:2700 1:2700                                    rabbit     1:81000  1:81000  1:81000                                                                              1:81000                                   anti-p24                                                                      rabbit      --.sup.3                                                                              1:9000    --    1:000                                     anti-gp41, HIV1                                                               rabbit      --       --      1:1000 1:100                                     anti-gp41, HIV-2                                                              ______________________________________                                         .sup.1 Serum samples were initially diluted 1:100 and subsequently dilute     threefold serially. An endpoint for the titration is given where the          optical density reading dropped below 0.2. samples 13690 and F6664 were       obtained from AIDS patients having confirmed HIV1 infection, and samples      2A and 2B were obtained from AIDS patients having confirmed HIV2              infection. Rabbit antip24 = serum from a rabbit immunized with recombinan     p24, ra bbit antigp41, HIV1 = serum from a rabbit immunized with A5           peptide conjugated to BSA, rabbit antigp41, HIV2 = serum from a rabbit        immunized with A2 peptide conjugated to BSA.                                  .sup.2 Solidphase affixed antigens were: recombinant HIV p24 protein          (p24); recombinant HIV p24polypeptide A5 protein (p24A5 fusion);              recombinant HIV p24polypeptide A2 protein (p24A2 fusion); recombinant HIV     p24polypeptide A5 and A2 protein (p24A5-A2 fusion).                           .sup.3 No detectable titer.                                              

The results in Table 2 indicate that recombinant HIV fusion proteinsp24-A5, p24-A2 and p24-A5-A2 were more sensitive in detecting anti-HIVantibodies than recombinant p24 protein alone. In addition, typespecificity is demonstrated by the more sensitive detection ofanti-HIV-1 antibodies using fusion proteins that contain the A5polypeptide when compared to fusion protein that contains the A2polypeptide. Similarly, increased sensitivity was observed for detectinganti-HIV-2 antibodies using fusion proteins that contain the A2polypeptide when compared to fusion protein that contains the A5polypeptide.

The foregoing description and the examples are intended as illustrativeand are not to be taken as limiting. Still other variations within thespirit and scope of this invention are possible and will readily presentthemselves to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diagnostic system, in kit form, comprising, inan amount sufficient to perform at least one assay, a HIV p24-gp41fusion protein, said HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein being expressed in E.coli, being soluble in aqueous buffer solution, being essentially freefrom (a) host cell-specific antigens and (b) HIV p15 and HIV p17antigens, and having a sequence selected from the group consisting ofthose shown in FIG. 1B from amino acid residue 2 to amino acid residue248, in FIG. 1C from amino acid residue 2 to amino acid residue 249 andin FIG. 1E from amino acid residue 2 to amino acid residue
 274. 2. Thediagnostic system according to claim 1 wherein said fusion protein isaffixed to a solid matrix.(a) forming an immunoreaction admixture byadmixing said body fluid sample with a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein, saidHIV p24-gp41 fusion protein being expressed in E. coli, being soluble inaqueous buffer solution, being essentially free from (a) hostcell-specific antigens and (b) HIV p15 and HIV p17 antigens and havingan amino acid residue sequence selected from the group consisting ofthose shown in FIG. 1B from residue 2 to residue 248, FIG. 1C fromresidue 2 to residue 249 and FIG. 1E from residue 2 to residue 274; (b)maintaining said immunoreaction admixture for a time period sufficientfor any of said antibodies present to immunoreact with said fusionprotein to form an immunoreaction product; and (c) detecting thepresence of any of said immunoreaction product formed and thereby thepresence of said antibodies.
 3. A method of assaying a body fluid samplefor the presence of antibodies against at least one of the HIV antigensp24 and gp41, which method comprises:(a) forming an immunoreactionadmixture by admixing said body fluid sample with a HIV p24-gp41 fusionprotein, said HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein being expressed in E. coli,being soluble in aqueous buffer solution, being essentially free from(a) host cell-specific antigens and (b) HIV p15 and HIV p17 antigens andhaving an amino acid residue sequence selected from the group consistingof those shown in FIG. 1B from residue 2 to residue 248, FIG. 1C fromresidue 2 to residue 249 and FIG. 1E from residue 2 to residue 274; (b)maintaining said immunoreaction admixture for a time period sufficientfor any of said antibodies present to immunoreact with said fusionprotein to form an immunoreaction product; and (c) detecting thepresence of any of said immunoreaction product formed and thereby thepresence of said antibodies.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein saidfusion protein is affixed to a solid matrix.
 5. A diagnostic system, inkit form, comprising, in an amount sufficient to perform at least oneassay, a HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein, said HIV p24-gp41 fusion proteinbeing expressed in E. coli, being soluble in aqueous buffer solution,being essentially free from (a) host cell-specific antigens and (b) HIVp15 and HIV p17 antigens, and having a sequence selected from the groupconsisting of those represented by a sequence shown in FIG. 1B fromamino acid residue 2 to amino acid residue 257, in FIG. 1C from aminoacid residue 2 to amino acid residue 258 and in FIG. 1E from amino acidresidue 2 to amino acid residue/94.
 6. A method of assaying a body fluidsample for the presence of antibodies against at least one of the HIVantigens p24 and gp41, which method comprises:(a) forming animmunoreaction admixture by admixing said body fluid sample with a HIVp24-gp41 fusion protein, said HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein beingexpressed in E. coli, being soluble in aqueous buffer solution, beingessentially free from (a) host cell-specific antigens and (b) HIV p15and HIV p17 antigens and having an amino acid residue sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of those shown in FIG. 1B from residue 2 toresidue 257, FIG. 1C from residue 2 to residue 258 and FIG. 1E fromresidue 2 to residue 283; (b) maintaining said immunoreaction admixturefor a time period sufficient for any of said antibodies present toimmunoreact with said fusion protein to form an immunoreaction product;and (c) detecting the presence of any of said immunoreaction productformed and thereby the presence of said antibodies.